Use of selected pyridine-N-oxide disulfide compounds to treat or prevent bovine mastitis

Abstract

Described is a method for treating an animal for bovine mastitis wherein said animal is administered an effective amount of at least one selected pyridine-N-oxide disulfide compound to treat or prevent bovine mastitis.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of treating an animal for bovine mastitis which comprises administering to said animal an effective amount of at least one pyridine-N-oxide disulfide compound to treat or prevent bovine mastitis, said pyridine-N-oxide disulfide compound selected from the group consisting of (a) 2,2'-dithiobis-pyridine-1,1'-dioxide; and   (b) adducts of 2,2'-dithiobis-pyridine-1,1'-dioxide, the adducts having the formula:   (C.sub.5 H.sub.4 NOS).sub.2 MY.sub.t        wherein M is an alkaline earth metal selected from the group consisting of calcium, magnesium, barium and strontium; Y is an anion selected from the group consisting of halides, sulfates, nitrates, chlorates and acetates; and t is either 1 or 2.   
     
     
       2. The method of claim 1 wherein the administration is effected to the teats and udder of a cow. 
     
     
       3. The method of claim 2 wherein from 1 to about 4 doses of about 25 to about 1000 milligrams of 2,2'-dithiobis-pyridine-1,1'-dioxide are infused into each teat of said cow at intervals of 12 to 48 hours. 
     
     
       4. The method of claim 3 wherein from about 25 to about 100 milligrams of said 2,2'-dithiobis-pyridine-1,1'-dioxide are infused into each teat of said cow. 
     
     
       5. The method of claim 2 wherein an effective amount of 2,2'-dithiobis-pyridine-1,1'-dioxide is applied to the outside of the teats and udder of a cow. 
     
     
       6. The method of claim 2 wherein from 1 to about 4 doses of about 25 to about 1000 milligrams of the magnesium sulfate trihydrate adduct of 2,2'-dithiobis-pyridine-1,1'-dioxide are infused into each teat of said cow at intervals of 12 to 48 hours. 
     
     
       7. The method of claim 6 wherein from about 25 to about 100 milligrams of said magnesium sulfate trihydrate adduct of 2,2'-dithiobis-pyridine-1,1'-dioxide are infused into each teat of said cow. 
     
     
       8. The method of claim 2 wherein an effective amount of magnesium sulfate trihydrate adduct of 2,2'-dithiobis-pyridine-1,1'-dioxide is applied to the outside of the teats and udder of a cow.